A method for providing a search result list. The method includes receiving a search request from a searcher. In a database of search listings in which each search listing is associated with an advertiser and includes at least one search term and a bid amount by the advertiser, search listings generating a match with the search request are identified. A predetermined number of identified search listings are selected according to bid amount for display to the searcher. The identified search listings are arranged for display in a random order as the search result list. The search result list is then communicated to the searcher.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A computer implemented method for operating a search system, the method comprising: storing a plurality of search listing records, each search listing record including data defining a search term, data defining a bid amount chargeable to an advertiser upon receipt of a click through selecting the search listing among displayed search results; receiving from the advertiser a new desired rank for a search listing; based on other search listings associated with the search term of the search listing, automatically determining a new bid amount for the search listing required to achieve the new desired rank for the search listing; and automatically updating the stored search listing with the new bid amount.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein determining the new bid amount comprises: locating a search listing for the search term having a rank no greater than the new desired rank; retrieving bid amount associated with the located search listing; and determining a bid N cents higher than the retrieved bid amount.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein N=1.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising: receiving a confirmation from the advertiser; and updating the data defining the bid amounts for the plurality of search listing records.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
July 26, 2001
September 19, 2006
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